Houston Horizon Chorus offers song, sisterhood

Debra Roy

Published 6:00 pm, Tuesday, December 9, 2003

Formed in 1981, HHC, a non-profit organization, has over 100 members with ages ranging from 15 to 84. There are several mother daughter teams and members drive from all over the greater Houston area to practice. In the past, some members even drove from Louisiana. The Tuesday night practices begin with physical and vocal warm-ups. So much movement and dance is incorporated into HHC performances a choreography coach is needed. After warm-ups guest are introduced, announcements are made and small performances are sometimes seen before the chorus begins their vocal sets.

Vickie Dennis is the Master Director of HHC and has been a member of Sweet Adelines International for more than 20 years. She has a degree in Music Education and is also the music director at Tomball Junior High. Two years ago Dennis combined the junior high chorus with HHC. Margaret Coles, a HHC member said the audience was overwhelmed by the show because it was such a beautiful performance. This year the two groups will sing together again, for another jaw-dropping performance. Dennis incorporates similar directing techniques for each group, and says the dual roles help perfect one another. She is a definite music lover, and said HHC is much more than a just a performance group.

"Most women join because they like to sing and then they realize the amazing sister-hood available through the chorus and they can't believe it," Dennis said.

New friendships are definitely an added bonus of joining the chorus. Coles said, "we are very supportive of each other. Whenever something happens to a member they can expect to receive lots of cards, e-mails and phone calls." Women do not have to be professional singers to join HHC. Dennis laughed as she said, "none of us are Celine Dion, thank God, we just love to sing, but I guess you do have to be able to carry a tune." Perspective members are auditioned and also given plenty of lessons to help them find their niche in the group. There is also a free Harmony College available to members at different times during the year

The next HHC performance is Reflections of Christmas on Sunday Dec. 20 at The Centrum. Special guest will be a men's group Sterling, and the Tomball Junior High Choirs. Coles will be playing on a 10 ft. Sterling Piano prior to the performance and during the intermission. For tickets call 281-363-2792. For more information about joining HHC visit www.houstonhorizon.org or call Sally Ison at 281-373-1424.